Can Barry Odom’s Boilermakers Finally Turn the Corner in 2026?
Two years into the Barry Odom era, Purdue football finds itself at a crossroads. The Boilermakers haven’t won a Big Ten game since 2023, and after back-to-back one-win seasons, the numbers paint a grim picture: 3-21 overall, 0-18 in conference play over the last two years.
But don’t let the record fool you-there were signs of life last season. Purdue looked more competitive, more cohesive, and more like a team laying the groundwork for something better.
Now, with a 2026 schedule that includes heavy hitters like Notre Dame, Washington, Iowa, and in-state rival Indiana, the path forward isn’t exactly smooth. But with key veterans returning and a portal class that’s injected much-needed talent across the board, there’s a sense that Purdue might finally be ready to break through.
Let’s dive into where this team stands heading into a pivotal season.
2025 Recap
2024 Record: 1-11 (0-9 Big Ten)
Last season wasn’t about wins-it was about building a foundation. And while the Boilermakers didn’t notch a conference victory, they weren’t getting steamrolled either. That’s progress, even if it doesn’t show up in the standings.
Offense: Building Around Browne
Returning Starters:
- QB Ryan Browne
- RB Antonio Harris
- LT Joey Tanona
- RG Ethan Trent
Key Departures:
- RB Devin Mockobee
- WR Nitro Tuggle (South Carolina)
- WR EJ Horton
- TE Christian Moore
- TE Christian Earls
- LG Jalen St. John
- C Bradyn Joiner (Florida State)
- RG Hank Purvis (South Carolina)
- RT Bakyne Coley
There’s no sugarcoating it-Purdue’s offense took some hits this offseason. The departure of wide receiver Nitro Tuggle stings, especially after he led the team in touchdowns and was second in both receptions and receiving yards. The offensive line also took a blow, losing three experienced starters to the transfer portal.
But here’s where things get interesting: quarterback Ryan Browne is back under center. His numbers last year-2,153 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, 10 interceptions-don’t jump off the page, but he showed flashes of poise and mobility, adding 206 yards and 4 scores on the ground. With another year in the system and a more stable offensive line, Browne could take a step forward.
Running back Antonio Harris returns after averaging 4.4 yards per carry last season, and he’ll be supported by a trio of portal additions. Up front, Tanona and Trent bring experience and stability, which should help the offense gel more quickly this fall.
Defense: A Mix of Experience and New Faces
Returning Starters:
- DE Breeon Ishmail
- DT Ian Jefferies
- LB Charles Correa
- CB Hudauri Hines
Key Departures:
- DT Jamarrion Harkless (Kentucky)
- DE CJ Nunnally IV
- LB Mani Powell
- LB Alex Sanford (Pitt)
- CB Tony Grimes
- S Tahj Ra-El
- S Myles Slusher
Defensive coordinator Kevin Kane has his work cut out for him, but he’s not starting from scratch. Purdue returns key contributors at every level of the defense, including linebacker Charles Correa, who led the team with 93 tackles and added three sacks. He’s the heart of this unit and a true sideline-to-sideline presence.
Up front, Ishmail and Jefferies return to anchor the defensive line, while cornerback Hudauri Hines brings back his ball-hawking skills (8 passes defended, 1 interception). The losses in the secondary and at linebacker are significant, but the portal has helped fill those gaps.
Portal Impact: A Much-Needed Talent Injection
Top Offensive Additions:
- RB Jerrick Gibson (Texas)
- RB Fame Ijeboi (Minnesota)
- RB Travis Terrell (Jackson State)
- WR Bisi Owens (Penn)
- WR Xavier Townsend (Iowa State)
- WR Asaad Waseem (FAU)
- OT Nuku Mafi (Oklahoma State)
- LG Micah Banuelos (USC)
- C Boaz Stanley (South Carolina)
Top Defensive Additions:
- DL Tre’Mon Lora (UCF)
- DL Jahari Simms (NC Central)
- DL Modozie (Georgia)
- DB Jaden Mangham (Michigan)
- DB Trevor Slaughter (Colorado)
Purdue didn’t just dip into the portal-they dove in headfirst. On offense, the Boilermakers reloaded at running back with Gibson and Ijeboi, both of whom bring speed and vision to the backfield. At receiver, Owens and Waseem each posted over 600 yards and five touchdowns last season, and Townsend adds a vertical threat with his 13.5 yards per catch.
The offensive line also got a facelift, with three new starters potentially coming from Power Five programs. That’s a massive upgrade for a unit that struggled with consistency last year.
Defensively, the focus was clear: get bigger and more physical. Lora, Simms, and Modozie bring size and power to the trenches, while Mangham and Slaughter add experience and playmaking ability to the secondary. Slaughter, in particular, could be a difference-maker after recording two interceptions and a forced fumble at Colorado.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Challenge
The road ahead doesn’t get any easier. Purdue will face Notre Dame and Washington at home-two marquee matchups that could serve as tone-setters early in the season. But road trips to Iowa and Indiana loom large, especially as the Boilermakers try to snap their conference losing streak.
Still, there’s reason for cautious optimism. The roster is deeper.
The talent level is higher. And Odom’s cultural imprint is starting to show-this team competes, even when it’s outmatched.
If the offensive line can come together quickly and Browne takes the next step, Purdue has a shot to surprise some people. And if the defense can hold its own with a mix of returning starters and portal additions, that elusive Big Ten win might finally be within reach.
For a program that’s been stuck in neutral, that would be a major step forward.